The Hindu editorials are a crucial resource for understanding key national and international issues. This analysis simplifies complex topics, highlights key points, and offers critical insights, making it an essential tool for competitive exam preparation like UPSC CSE and developing a well-rounded perspective on current affairs.
1. India’s voice must resonate in global AI conversations
India must actively participate in shaping the future of AI, given its increasing significance in economic and geopolitical strategies. AI governance requires India to strike a balance between regulation and fostering innovation.
AI’s Borderless Nature and the Need for Global Collaboration
AI transcends national boundaries, making international cooperation crucial to address ethical concerns, security risks, and regulatory challenges. With an AI adoption rate of 30%, higher than the global average, and a major share of ChatGPT users, India must engage in global AI safety discussions.
India’s Absence from Global AI Safety Initiatives
Despite its rapid AI adoption, India has not yet established a national AI safety institute or joined initiatives like the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, which play a crucial role in shaping global AI standards.
The Geopolitical Impact of AI and Its Implications for India
The U.S. has imposed export controls on advanced AI software, primarily targeting China, but India may also face restrictions. This highlights the importance of India’s participation in international AI governance to safeguard its access to cutting-edge technologies.
Strategic Importance of AI for India
AI plays a key role in economic growth, cybersecurity, and military applications. India must develop policies that encourage AI-led growth while aligning with global standards to maintain its competitive edge.
Leveraging India’s Strengths in AI Development
India’s robust IT sector, skilled workforce, and success in implementing Digital Public Infrastructure projects like Aadhaar and UPI position it as a global AI leader. By proactively participating in AI governance, India can attract investments and shape equitable AI frameworks.
Ensuring India’s Seat at the Global AI Table
In the evolving AI landscape, nations that do not engage in global AI governance risk being left behind. India must actively shape global AI standards to protect its interests, foster innovation, and establish itself as a responsible AI leader.
2. Technology and the challenge of equitable education
Mass Education and the Learning Gap
During the 1990s and early 2000s, India saw a significant push for mass education. However, while enrolment and infrastructure improved, learning outcomes remained stagnant. The ASER surveys highlighted this issue, revealing that access to education did not necessarily translate into improved learning.
The Digital Revolution and Its Role in Education
The rise of digital technology, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, brought new opportunities for education. Mobile phones and digital tools became more widespread, offering new ways to deliver learning materials.
Rising Smartphone Usage in Rural India
In 2018, 36% of rural households had smartphones, which increased to 74% in 2022 and reached 84% in 2024. However, it is unclear whether mothers of young children have access to smartphones, which is crucial for supporting their children’s education.
Technology as a Substitute for Traditional Learning
During the pandemic, smartphones became carriers of educational content like worksheets and videos. Virtual training sessions became common, and digital skills acquired during this period have largely persisted. However, the transition to AI-driven learning presents new challenges and opportunities.
Bridging the Educational Gap Through Technology
Many mothers of school-going children have limited formal education. Investing in their education could strengthen children’s learning outcomes. Digital education tools can play a key role in this process, especially in rural areas.
Challenges of Technology in Education
While technological advancements promise to revolutionize education, their benefits often reach the privileged first. The primary challenge is access to devices, though ASER 2024 data suggest that smartphone ownership is becoming less of a constraint.
Language Barriers and Accessibility
Language used to be a significant barrier to digital learning, but advancements in translation and speech-to-text technology have mitigated this issue. The challenge now is ensuring that children and parents know how to access and use these tools effectively.
Rethinking the Schooling System
Access to schools has improved, but attendance and learning quality remain concerns. A structured curriculum using digital tools, similar to village-wide learning programs tested in Maharashtra during the pandemic, could enhance learning outcomes.
Education, Innovation, and Profit Motives
Historically, education systems have evolved differently across civilizations. Today, technology integrates global education, but profit-driven innovation limits accessibility. While hardware has become affordable, advanced AI-driven learning tools may require philanthropic efforts to ensure widespread adoption.
Need for a National Road Map
India must create a strategic plan to leverage technology for inclusive education. Without such a roadmap, the benefits of digital learning will remain limited to those who can afford them, leaving the underprivileged behind.
3. Growth over inflation: On economic expansion over inflation control
For the first time in nearly five years, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has cut the repo rate from 6.50% to 6.25%. This decision marks a shift from the previous stance, where inflation concerns took precedence. With inflation at 5.2% in December and GDP growth projections slipping to 6.4% for 2024-25, the RBI is now focusing on economic expansion over inflation control.
Global and Domestic Economic Pressures
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted global uncertainties such as stalled disinflation, delayed U.S. rate cuts, and a strong dollar affecting emerging markets. These factors have made policy trade-offs more complex, pushing the RBI to support economic growth despite inflation being above the 4% target.
Inflation Outlook and Growth Concerns
The MPC expects inflation to ease, with projections averaging 4.2% in 2025-26. This assumption is based on expectations of a normal monsoon, stable food prices, and strong harvests of key crops like tomato, onion, and potato. However, economic growth remains weak, and the RBI sees addressing this slowdown as a more urgent priority.
Alignment with Fiscal Policy
The RBI’s post-Budget policy approach suggests a closer alignment with the government’s fiscal measures. This coordination aims to stimulate consumption, attract private investment, and boost economic growth, though its effectiveness remains uncertain.
Need for a More Data-Driven Approach
Had the MPC met a week later, it might have had stronger justification for the rate cut, as January inflation was expected to cool to around 4.5%. Adjusting the timing of policy reviews to align with real-time inflation data could enhance the RBI’s ability to make more responsive and well-justified monetary decisions.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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